Critical Mass London

I ride around London on my bike and in my head I'm thinking, "Cycling, F*#k yeah!"

I'm better than other Londoners because most days (when my bike isn't being stolen or if its not snowing) I cycle everywhere I go. Unfortunately, the rest of London doesn't always agree. Yes Addison Lee, I'm talking about you...

For those of you who live under a rock, Critical Mass is a monthly event in London, where "there are probably as many aims as there are participants". For many of the people involved, it's about reclaiming the road and after a brush with one very aggressive driver who was using his car as a weapon on Newington Green a few weeks ago, I'm all for owning a bit of road.

This is me, and my pink bike...

Last Friday was the 18th anniversary of Critical Mass London and I decided that it was about time that I went down to see what it was all about. I arrived at about 6pm to a mish-mash of wheels and feet under the Waterloo Bridge. As it was so close to the London Mayoral Elections, it had been hijacked by some cycling politicians but to be honest that was all part and parcel of the fun.

Just so you know, after the big protest from the war that Tony Blair led us nicely into a law was created stating that you could not organise a protest or the like without permission. As a result you'll find little information about Critical Mass or it's organisers online. If you go down there though, everyone is super friend. As it was the 18th anniversary there was cake and beer and biscuits being handed around along with pink balloons and party hats. It was all rather festive.

Just after 7pm we set off, what started out as less than a hundred, turned into what seemed to be thousands of cyclists, scooter-folk, skate boarders and more. What was most suprising is that so many of them were normal folk, and I certainly overheard conversations about working freelance and a few people moaning about Tesco value range. These were regular Londoners who had decided to reclaim the road and it was bloody fabulous. While cycling along, all the traffic stops for you and finally you feel some power.

I'd recommend this for any cyclist in London. Even if you don't cycle much, there were Boris bikes there along with the rest of us. You'll also meet other lovely people and it's totally free - what more could you ask for?

What? Critical Mass London
When? Every Last Friday of the Month, meet 6.15pm, ride begins 6.45pm
Where?  Meet under Waterloo Bridge, outside National Theatre on South Bank
Who? YOU

A change...

It's been a while since I have posted a London cat photo. Maybe it's the cold weather pushing them all inside next to radiators or finding that warm spot on the floor where the pipes run – I know I'm finding it harder to get out the house these days. It could also be the fact that I'm walking less. I've joined the thousands of cyclist in London and commute to work by bike. Now I no longer notice feline faces on doorsteps, under cars and hiding under parked cars. As a result I'm going to grow and develop this blog into an online version of my head.

I suggest you keep following if you're interested in any of these:

Cats
Cats and squirrels are still the love of my life, I will still post updates and photos of the things that I see.

Online Communities
I'm a Senior Community Manager. Up until a few years ago a CM didn't even exist and now it seems like every brand and company are looking to fill this role. There is a lot to learn and most of it is from experience. I hopefully will share some ideas that will be helpful to people just starting out as well as insightful to those working within the industry.

London Life
I've lived in London for almost 10 years now. I know it well but I always strive to discover new places and events. There is this current obsession with Pop Up shops, bars and restaurants which makes the foodie scene ever changing. Also, as we all know, the current financial climate means that businesses are opening and closing daily. This makes the city fascinating. I will be blogging about the most exciting things.

Cycling
As a female cyclist in London I have learnt the hard way best practices on the road: falling off my bike, having it knicked, flat tyres, cycling in skirts. A lot has happened and I'd love to share this with people. Hopefully it'll make more ladies brave enough to get on a bike and inspire people to see cycling as a fun and exciting sport for everyone.






Nails, Make Up and Products
I'm obsessed with nail varnish and make up. I'm also super fussy about products I use and will give you honest advise and opinion on what you use to make you look more fabulous.

So now you know the plan (as much of one that there is...) I'll be writing again soon.






There are millions of blogs out there so I hope that this will be fresh, funny and interesting. Please feel free to leave comments and suggestion. I'd love to hear from you all.